Edie Monday shows her stuffed dog to the group of volunteers at New Haven Court in Center Township who made stuffed animals Sept. 9, 2010. Some in the group also tied decorative yarns to small quilts for children at Butler Memorial and other hospitals. Butler Eagle File Photo

Residents of New Haven Court at Clearview spent every second Thursday of the month in 2010 filling small stuffed dogs to be sent to the Butler Memorial Hospital.

Faith Mong, New Haven Court's activity director at the time, said the stuffed animals were given to children who enter the hospital through the emergency room.

Kay Huemme, a hospital auxiliary volunteer who also helped at New Haven Court, said the auxiliary started the stuffed animal project years prior.

“We have found so many times the stuffed animal has calmed a child and has helped to take their mind off of the situation at hand,” Huemme said. “People enjoy working on this project because it helps children, but there is also benefit to those who are helping to put the animals together.

“They feel that they are making contributions to our community.”